SharonThe first step in any language is knowing
how to greet people. Let’s look at three different situations. Our
characters are meeting for the first time. Listen to how they introduce
themselves and see how much you can pick up. The girl uses a phrase
many of you will have heard before: “Conas tá tú?” – “How are you?"

Róisín: How are you?
Dónall: I’m well, thank you. I’m Dónall.
Róisín: I’m Róisín.
Dónall: Where are you from, Róisín?
Róisín: From Dublin. I was born and raised here.
Dónall: I’m from Cork originally myself, but I live in Dublin now.

SharonWe found out there that our guy is a Munster
man and the greeting he used, “Conas tá tú?” is how Munster people
traditionally ask you how you are. In this next scene, we see another
couple getting to know each other. This pair don’t hit it off quite
as well. Listen out for the Connacht expression for “How are you?”
– “Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú?” – literally, “What way are you?” – “Cén
chaoi a bhfuil tú?”

MÍCHEÁLDia duit, a Gharda.

Garda (sinéad)Dia is Muire duit.

MichéalCén chaoi a bhfuil tú?

SinéadGo
maith go raibh maith agat. Céard is ainm duit?

MÍCHEÁLMícheál Ó Conaola, a Gharda. Céard is ainm duit féin?

Sinéad
An Garda de Barra. Cá bhfuil tú i do chónaí?

MÍCHEÁLTá mé i mo chónaí i gCarna. Cá bhfuil tú féin i do chónaí, a Gharda?

SinéadNí bhaineann sin leat.

SharonDid you notice the initial exchange? “Dia
duit” – literally “God be with you” - and the reply, “Dia is Muire
duit” – “God and Mary be with you”. This is a formal greeting, used
in more official situations, or with people you don’t know.

We also heard there people asking each other about where they’re from
and where they live. “Cad as duit?” - “Where are you from” - and “Cá
bhfuil tú i do chónaí?” – “Where do you live?”

SharonIs as Corcaigh dó, ach tá sé ina chónaí
i mBaile Átha Cliath anois. The girl however, like myself, is a true
blue Dub – “Rugadh agus tógadh anseo mé” – “I was born and raised
here” – “Rugadh agus tógadh anseo mé”. In the second scene, the garda
wanted to find out where the driver lives: “Cá bhfuil tú i do chónaí?”

Repeat

CONVERSATION 2

SinéadCá bhfuil tú i do chónaí?

MÍCHEÁLTá mé i mo chónaí i gCarna. Cá bhfuil tú féin i do chónaí, a Gharda?

SinéadNí bhaineann sin leat.

Sharon“Ní bhaineann sin leat” – “that’s none of
your business!” Hopefully a phrase you won’t have too much use for...
In this next scene, our character is considering moving from the city
to the country. He’s viewing a house and is being shown around by
a Donegalman. The Donegal expression for “how are you?” Is “cad é
mar atá tú?” – literally “how is it that you are?”

CONVERSATION 2
Mícheál tries to chat up Garda Sinéad de Barra when she stops him
at a checkpoint.

SharonIn these three scenes, we’ve heard three
different ways of saying “How are you?” – The Munster expression “Conas
tá tú?”, the Connacht approach “Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú?” and the Ulster
phrase “Cad é mar atá tú?” This may seem terribly complicated, but
the trick is not to worry about it too much. All three expressions
will be understood by any Irish speaker. You take your pick and stick
to the one you feel most comfortable with.CONVERSATION 1
Séamas is considering moving from the city to the country. He has
an appointment with an estate agent, Cathal, who is going to show
him around a house which is for sale.

Séamas:
Cathal, is it?
Cathal:
Séamas. How are you?
Séamas: I’m well, thank you.
Cathal: So, you’re thinking of moving to this area? He hands Cathal
a leaflet containing information about the house.
Séamas: Yes. I’ve been in the city for the past ten years. I’d like
to leave it now.
Cathal: Well, this area is lovely. The facilities are good and the
locals are nice. And there are nice houses here. Séamas: the prices
are nice as well.